Stress fracture puts Ginobili’s World Cup in jeopardy

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili played the NBA Finals with a slight stress fracture in his right fibula, an injury that now casts his availability for Argentina in this summer’s FIBA Basketball World Cup in doubt.

The fracture was discovered during a routine postseason physical, according to a league source, and began bothering the 36-year-old guard at some point during the Spurs’ run in Western Conference playoffs. By the end of the Spurs’ march to a championship, Ginobili could often be seen limping noticeably after games.

Ginobili, who turns 37 later this month, will visit with a foot specialist for a second opinion on the injury, which otherwise could keep him off the court for up to two months. He is expected to make an announcement about his summer plans soon, perhaps as early as today.

The risk of playing with the injury is high. In 2009, Ginobili suffered a stress reaction in his right ankle that developed into a full blown fracture, which kept him out of that season’s playoffs.

With proper rehabilitation, Ginobili is expected to recover in time for the start of Spurs’ training camp in October. The World Cup is Aug. 30 through Sept. 14 in Spain.

Ginobili showed no ill effects from his condition, averaging 14.3 points and 4.1 assists while appearing in all 23 playoff games. It followed a strong regular season in which he 12.3 points and 4.3 assists. Long known for his fragility, Ginobili played in 68 games for his healthiest campaign since 2010-11.

The ensuing campaign will be his 13th and perhaps last in the NBA, with his contract set to expire. Ginobili has made no secret of his passion for playing internationally with Argentina, whose gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games is a key highlight of the resume that will almost certainly deliver him to the Hall of Fame.

Update, 9 a.m.: Ginobili posted an update yesterday evening (translated) – “The injury exists but my participation in the (FIBA World Cup) depends on how much I can improve in the next 20-plus days. I continue to be an optimist.”